George Washington Papers

To George Washington from William Fairfax, 20 July 1757

From William Fairfax

Alexandria. 20th July [1757]

Dear Sir

I rec’d yr Favor of the 17th inst. this Day by your Messenger.1

The Narrative of the Deposition recited, seems to agree with what is containd in the Northern Papers as to the Reinforcement of Men, Provisions &c. brought up the Missisippi, which together with what’s imported to Louisburg and Quebeck the French have found Time eno[ug]h to strengthen every Fortress and Place We have been long whispering to attack, So that notwithstanding the Endeavors of Ld L. to keep his intended Operation a Secret, they are too well known or guest at in Europe.2

I writ this Day by the Post to the Governor acquainting Him of my Son William Hy being now with Me and desirous of a Lieuts. Commission in yr Regiment, being told of some Vacancys. I am unwilling to discourage So good a Disposition especially as I find him capable of the highest Attainments, And if He is favord With the desir’d Commission I am persuaded He will do Credit to the Corps and Merit your Friendly Countenance. He has made a Beginning towards acquiring Some Knowledge in the Theory of Fortification &c. I shall be glad to know yr Thoughts that I may equipp Him accordingly.3 Having a Report that nine Indians have been lately taken up and imprisond at Winchester being more than suspected as Spies, I am Somewhat doubtful of the Truth as You are Silent about it4—If any circumstantial Proof to corroberate what the noted Warrior Jemmy Bullen Suggested, They deserve to be punishd as Spies.

Colo. Carlyle is as desirous as You can be to have yr late Brother’s Estate setled to mutual Satisfaction.5 We all send our friendly Greetings, And I am Dr Sr Yr very affecte & obedt

W: Fairfax

ALS, DLC:GW.

1The letter has not been found.

2Fairfax was referring to John Street’s deposition described in John Dagworthy to GW, 10 July 1757, n.1.

3Fairfax’s letter of 6 Aug. 1757 indicates that GW wrote him on 28 July saying there were no vacancies for lieutenants in the Virginia Regiment.

5See GW to Stanwix, 8 July 1757, n.3, for a discussion of GW’s request for permission to go to Alexandria to settle Lawrence Washington’s estate.

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